Hero Speaks Out About Stopping Church Shooter

In a powerful interview aired by WXYZ Detroit, Jay Trombley—church member and trained volunteer security guard—recounted the moment he stopped what could’ve been a horrific mass shooting at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan.

On Sunday morning, chaos erupted when 31-year-old Brian Browning arrived at the church armed with a rifle and handgun. Browning reportedly opened fire outside the building, with rounds striking the facility. But thanks to a mix of planning, instinct, and courage, lives were saved.

Trombley, part of the church’s safety team, sprang into action after hearing a noise that initially sounded mechanical. As panicked parishioners fled, one shouted “AR-15,” and pointed. Trombley didn’t hesitate—he moved toward the threat.

Another church member hit the gunman with his truck, slowing him down. Trombley and at least one other armed staff member engaged the shooter before he could enter the building. Browning was shot and killed outside the church.

“A double-pane window stopped five rounds that I’m fairly certain where I was standing… To look at the wall behind me… To see the impacts… To see that were rounds from his rifle, traveled and impacted… God’s hand was protecting me,” he told the news station.

Trombley and other volunteers had trained for years to respond to exactly this kind of nightmare scenario, despite not having military or law enforcement backgrounds. “You are your own first responder,” he said, underscoring the importance of preparation.

While he acknowledged the emotional toll, Trombley didn’t call himself a hero. “I realize what happened yesterday. What my actions… I will reconcile with… Time for that. You know, I’m—I was protecting his people.”

Crosspointe’s decision to build a trained volunteer security team proved vital. Their readiness prevented a tragedy and highlighted what many in the Second Amendment community have long asserted: armed citizens save lives.

As for Trombley, he closed the interview with a quiet truth.

“The one thing always has been in the back of my mind—the question: if I hear that noise, will I run to it? Will I run from it? I answered that question yesterday,” he said.

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